Karun Nair IPL journey spans ten seasons from 2013 to 2025, with the Karnataka right-hander amassing 1,694 runs at a brisk strike rate of 131. Having opened or anchored for five different franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and now Delhi Capitals—Nair has built a reputation for fearless batting in the top order. His 76 innings feature 185 fours and 49 sixes, translating to almost one boundary every five balls, while 11 half-centuries underline his knack for converting starts. The 89 not out remains his highest score, a knock that showcased his ability to accelerate late. After standout seasons with Punjab Kings where he crossed 300 runs twice, Nair returns to Delhi Capitals in 2025 looking to reignite the form that once made him one of the league’s most promising anchors.

Faf du Plessis has become one of the most bankable IPL openers across 13 seasons and four franchises, culminating in his 2025 stint with Delhi Capitals. The South African has stacked up 4,773 runs at a strike rate of 135, carving 439 boundaries and clearing the rope 174 times—numbers that paint the picture of a batsman who keeps the scoreboard in perpetual motion. With 39 half-centuries from 147 innings, he has built consistency into aggression, while his unbeaten 96 remains the tantalising high-water mark just short of a maiden IPL ton. From Chennai Super Kings’ yellow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s red and now Delhi Capitals’ blue, du Plessis has turned every jersey into a run-making statement, proving that adaptability and class travel well in T20 cricket.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.